Congratulations on your new job ! The best thing to start is show up on time and be teachable. Sounds like you already have the right attititude !

The essential craftsman are great videos that I also enjoy among with a lot of other channels.

Good luck !

 

Are you on a crew or are you running a crew?

 

When I was doing windows I was crew chief. Today I just learned a jack from a cripple, I dont intend to be a crew chief anytime soon


Sounds like a recipie for some collapsed structures.

Sent from my SM-J337VPP using Tapatalk

 

Framing is easy.

Once you learn the difference between bastard, hip/valley cripple jacks, and irregular pitched, diagonal lateral braces, you will be on your way.

 

For you to succeede you will need to know the terminology used on a jobsite. Lumber, hardware, nails, framing processes, basic codes etc etc...


Have the basic tools you will need, proper clothing & safety gear, lunch, water, water, spare clothing, water, gloves, and did i say water...

Cell phone stays in the truck.

Be early ready to work.

DO NOT BE THE FIRST GUY TO BREAK, LUNCH OR READY TO LEAVE AT QUITTING TIME...

DO NOT STAND AROUND...

There is always lumber to move, scraps to pick up, floors that need sweeping etc etc....

Peek at the plans when u get a chance, have an idea of what you are building and what steps are next...

Ask questions, but DO NOT WHINE...

If you are asked a pertinent question answer it.

Be aware RIGHT AWAY of your crews smoking/chewing policy.

Have fun, if you cant find a different crew...

Good luck.

 

DO NOT BE THE FIRST GUY TO BREAK, LUNCH OR READY TO LEAVE AT QUITTING TIME...

F#@! that. We negotiated my breaks and quitting time. I'm taking them; they're mine.

Sure, I'll skip or delay a break now and again for efficiency, just ask. And I'm not asking politely for my paycheck either. I earned it; it's a debt you owe, pay up.

You don't give customers a free sidewalk or roof; don't ask me for free stuff either.

 

How do you learn best? Books are great for general terms but some items have regionally different names. Lots of difference in regional practices that are best learned on the job. Videos are great but won’t get you all the way to being competent. Just like building windows, lots to learn. Find the best crew that you can find that will have you and be a sponge and soak in as much as you can. Good luck. Matt bangs wood has some good videos on California style. Crazy framer has video on how to kill your self in the cold of Canada.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I usually try to arm myself with as much info as possible. Then try to practice actually doing it based off of it. I also usually end up either missing a detail somewhere, or incorrectly applying something that's actually dumb but I'm to green to realize it yet.

The valuable experience always seems to come after I dunn screwed something up.



Sent from my SM-J337VPP using Tapatalk

 

How old are you?
Can you take verbal abuse?
Are you willing to be the new guy?
Can you do things as the boss says, even if you think you know better?

Framing is fun......but starting out can take some work. I wish you every success. There are lots of good youtube channels out there.

Show up 15 mins early, every day.
Have all your initial hand tools with you. Put your bags on immediately and keep them on
If you're using the bosses tools, roll them out before and after your time starts out of respect for him letting you use his equipment.
Read up on nailing codes and engineering specifications. That will help you understand why you aren't supposed to over-drive nails in sheathing for example

 

Keep your ears & eyes open always. Framing is fun as mentioned, & you will learn fast w/a good crew. Cutting in a tough roof, laying out curved stairs etc. takes a little time but rewarding. Always look ahead @ the next move & always safety 1st. Work hard, pacing yourself in an efficient but not rushed manner. Accidents always happen when we’re rushing or tired. As Griz mentioned, plenty of water. Good luck

Mike

 

So many great tips. A couple more, you will run into in the framing trade is ex-cons that may or may not of turned the corner into people that are good to work with. If you have a bad feeling about someone find a difference crew. Drugs , alcohol at work should also have you walking. I once was hired into a crew that couldn’t believe I had never been to jail. They just thought everyone has been.[emoji3525]. Just because you work with someone doesn’t mean you have to hang out with them after work.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

employee
entitled
attitude

next

 

Have a good attitude and stay busy.

About coming in early or staying late, make sure you know policy. As an hourly worker, working without getting paid for it is a violation of federal labor law.

A buddy of mine worked more hours than he put on his time sheet. After a year, management found out and he had to try to recreate hours actually worked for the past year. He got they extra pay, and they weren't happy about what he did. It was a mess.

Many companies will turn a blind eye and be happy for the free labor. Others, nothing less than 10 or 15 minutes is tracked so that's your window.